You can also create a part in the context of an assembly so you can use the geometry of other assembly components while designing the part. The new part is saved within the assembly file as a virtual component. You can also save the new part in a separate part file so you can modify it independently from the assembly.

Universal joint mates drive the rotation of the output shaft of a universal joint by the rotation of the input shaft about its axis.

Hinge mates limit the movement between components to one rotational degree of freedom.

To learn more about mates, click Help > SolidWorks Tutorials > All SolidWorks Tutorials and complete the Assembly Mates tutorial.

Create holes and add fasteners or components that require other components and features.

Create holes for fasteners with the Hole Wizard tool, then use Smart Fasteners to automatically add standard fasteners into the holes.

You can access a customizable library of standard parts using the SolidWorks Toolbox add-in. Select a standard and the type of part you want to insert, then drag the component into the assembly. For details, see Toolbox Help.

To learn more about SolidWorks Toolbox, click Help > SolidWorks Tutorials > All SolidWorks Tutorials and complete the Toolbox tutorial.

Create Smart Components that require the addition of associated components and features such as bolts and mounting holes. When you insert the Smart Component into an assembly, you can choose whether or not to insert the associated components and features.

To learn more about Smart Components, click Help > SolidWorks Tutorials > All SolidWorks Tutorials and complete the Smart Components tutorial.

Add supplier-certified models.

Use the 3D ContentCentralSM web site to save design time by accessing supplier-certified CAD models that you can download and add to an assembly.

To check how components interact while you are creating an assembly, use the Physical Dynamics option in Collision Detection. When you drag or rotate a component, it applies a force to any components it touches, and you view the motion of assembly components.

Create animations of models, such as a rotating or exploding model with the Assembly Motion level of Motion Studies.

Add more physics and realism to your animation with either the Physical Simulation or SolidWorks Motion (available in SolidWorks premium). You can add Simulation Elements that move components, such as springs, motors, and gravity, to control and automate motion.

To learn more about motion studies, click Help > SolidWorks Tutorial > All SolidWorks Tutorials and complete the Assembly Motion tutorial.

Troubleshoot problems you have when moving assembly components, such as components that collide.

Use the Interference detection tool to check a file for components that interfere with each other. A list gives you the names of the components that interfere and the interference volume. The area of interference highlights in the graphics area.

Use the Collision Detection option when you move or rotate components to detect if multiple components collide.

Use SpeedPak to create a simplified representation of an assembly without losing references. SpeedPak can significantly improve performance when you work in large and complex assemblies and related drawings.

Use Alternate Position Views to superimpose one drawing view precisely on another. Alternate position views are often used to show the range of motion of an assembly.

Add dimensions and annotations from part and assembly documents.

Use Insert Model Items to insert dimensions marked for drawings and annotations already in model documents.

Use 3D annotations to create annotation views in the model. You can use these views in a drawing. The annotation views are converted into 2D drawing views; the annotations you inserted in the model appear in the drawing.

Use DimXpert to apply dimensions in drawings so that manufacturing features (patterns, slots, pockets, etc.) are fully-defined.

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